Fox Sports adds Ohio station

It appears that Fox Sports desperately wanted to get themselves into the Cleveland Indians business.

The Fox Sports Media Group purchases the rights to SportsTime Ohio today. SportsTime Ohio is a regional sports network that broadcasts in Ohio (stunning news, I know).

The key to the deal seems to be the local broadcast rights of the Indians. SportsTime Ohio won the rights to local Indians games seven years ago - before that they aired on Fox Sports Ohio.

In addition to Ohio, the network reaches into Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York. It also broadcasts games of the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Cavaliers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew, Xavier Musketeers and the great Cincinnati Bearcats.

In addition, the channel also airs some Cleveland Browns related programing OHSAA football and basketball, and Mid-American Conference sporting events (MAC-tion).

"The acquisition of SportsTime Ohio solidifies our business in Ohio, and FOX Sports Media Group’s new long-term agreement with the Indians reunites the team with the FOX Sports family," said Jeff Krolik, executive vp, Fox Sports Networks. "We look forward to once again showcasing the Indians to their fans, as well as working with the Indians ownership to continue to enhance the value of this iconic franchise."